Jefferson Township (part 15 of 15)

On the 1 2th of Alay, i86i, Mr. Sims was married to Miss Nancy Ellen Smith, of Spring \'alley. and unto them were born two sons. George, who married .Alice Underwood, by Mhom he has three children, is a printer l)y trade, and resides in Spring Vallev. Morris, the younger son, married Minnie Riley, by whom he has one child, and Hieir home is also in Spring X'alley. In February, 1S70, Mr. Sims was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He was again married, on the i6th of February, 1871, his second union being with Mrs. Frances (Sanders) Byrd, a daughter of Jes.se and Cassandra (Bell) Sanders. She was born in Bellbrook Jnne 8, 1835, ^"^1 ^^"'is first married to Jackson Byrd, by whom she had three children: George, of Dayton, wedded Flizabeth Smith and has si.x children; F.lla M. is the wife of Thaddeus Alien, of Spring \alley. by whom she has two children : and Mary B. died February 23, 1888. Mr. Byrd died in Callaway county. Missouri, in 1860, having removed to that place in 1855. .\fter his death his widow returned to Ohio. By the second marriage there has been born two children; William, who wedded Stella Penn_\\\ it, by whom he has two children, Raymond and Leon, their home being upon his father's farm; and Charles Clifford, who died in his twentyfirst year.

In his political aftiliations Mr. Sims is a Democrat, voting for the party since casting his fir.st presidential ballot for Douglas in i860. The fathers of both Mr. and ^Irs. Sims were members of the Society of Friend, and our subject and his wife have become identified with the congregation of that denomination in Spring Valley. ^Slr. Sims belongs to Byrd Post, G. A. R.. of Spring Valley. It was named for William H. Byrd. a brother of his wife's first husband, who was the first soldier of Spring Valley who was killed in the Civil war. Mr. Sims attended the National Grand Army encami)ment in Cincinnati and in Indianapolis. He enjoys the good will and friendship of many of his comrades of the "nine and is a citizen of worth who well deserves mention in this volume.

The migratory spirit so strongly noticeable in many sections of the country is manifest in Ohio rather for its absence, for it is a remarkable fact that a large portion of the native born sons of this state have retained their residence within its borders throughout their entire lives. Such a one is Mr. Holloway, whose birth occurred in January, 1824. in Madison township, Clark county, where he lived until he had attained his majority, acquiring his education in the log sclKioUiouse of that locality. His parents were Isaiah and Sarah ( McOuality) Holloway. The father was born in \'i;- ginia, and when a young man came to Ohio, settling in Chillicothe, where he remained lor a ninnl^er of years. He then went to Clark county and carried on farming in ]\Iadison township. His remaining days were spent in that county, where lie passed away at the age of seventy-six years. His religious faith connected him with the Methodist church, while his political belief was in li.-irniony with the princi]5les of the Re- ])nblican ])art\'. His wife survived him for se\cral years and died on the old inmiestead in Clark county at the age of seventy-four years. She had belonged also to the Methodist church and was a ladv who possessed many excellent traits of character. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, of whom two are yet living. Isaiah being the second in order of birth. His sister. Elizabeth, is now the widow of Le\i Warner, who was a resident of Cedarville, Ohio.

Mr. Holloway came to Greene count\- about if^fi.T. and has since lived upon the farm which he yet owns and operates. He purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land which was then partially improved, but be afterward erected a good residence and barn and here he has since lived. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and everxthing about his farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, thtts manifesting the careful supervision of the progressive owner. ]Mr. Hollowax' has also purchased the old homestead consisting of one hundred and thirty acres.

and Sarah (Waller j Tindall, who resided in Clark county, but both are now deceased. Her mother was a member of the Methodist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holloway have been born six children, but Orleans died at the age of fourteen years, and Clara died at the age of five years. Lander is a resident farmer of Nebraska. Howanl resides u])on the old home place in Clark county. Charles makes bis home at Selma. Ilia is yet under the parental roof.

.Mr. Holloway votes with the Republican party, but is content to end his political actixitv there. sa\e that he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the da\-. He and his wife are members of the ]\retbodist church and he is ser\'ing as one of its trustees. In his life he has manifested many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry, being thrifty. ])ersevering and enterprising, and to-da\-. as a result of these elen;ents in his make-up. he is a well-to-do resident of Cedar\-ille township, and has the res])ect of the leading people of the communilv.

The nian of wealth is not the one whom the American citizens hold in highest regard, but he mIio can plan his own advancement and accomplish it in the face of competition and obstacles that are alwaxs to be met in the business world. The "captains of industry" are those \\hose business foresight can recognize opportunity and whose executive force can utilize advantages which are not given to one alone, but perhaps encompass the whole race. The life history of JmIui p. Steele is simply that of a successful business man wlio owes his advancement to close a])plication, energy, strong determination and executive ability. He has never allowed outside pursuits to interfere with the performance of business duties or the meeting of anv business obligations, and thus he stands to-day one of the prosperous residents of Xenia, strong in his honor and his good name. }f e is the secretary and general manager of the Hooven & Allison Company, and many other enterprises of the city owe their successful conduct largely to his wise counsel and business judgment.

Mr. Steele is a native of Greene county, ha\ ing been born in .\lpha. Xove;nl)cr 4. 1855. his parents being David and Mary ( Harbine) Steele. His paternal grandfather was John Steele, of whom mention is made in the historical section of this work. He was born in \'irginia in 1809 and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. El^enezer Steele, came to Greene county as early as 1830, the faniiU' settling in Beavercreek township, where the grandfather of our subject engaged in farming. John Steele also began life as a farmer, but after some years became interested in an oil mill as a member of the firm of Steele & Kershner. They carried on an e.\"tensi\e lousiness in the manufacture of linseed oil. After a time Mr. Kershner .sold his interest to John Harbine, the grandfather of our subject, and the firm style of Steele & Harbine was then assumed. This relation was maintained until 1871, when the senior partner retired and removed to Xenia. where he became one of the directors of the First Xational Bank of that city. In his jjolitical views he was first a Whig, supporting the party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He held membership in the Reformed church and was one of its elders. His wife bore the maiden name of ^lary Ankeney, and was a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Greene county. In the year 1882 John Steele departed this life and his wife passed away in 1889.

Their only child, David Steele, acquired a public-school education, and afterward spent two years as a student in Oxford College, at Oxford, Ohio. In early manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Marv Elizalieth Harbine. and soon afterward they located in Elotimfield, Davis county, Iowa, taking up their abode there in 1856. Mr. Steele was interested in farming in the west until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government as a defender of the Union cause> enlisting in the" Third Iowa Infantry, in which he was made first sergeant. After two years' service he was discharged on account of ill health and returned to Greene county. Ohio. About si.x weeks later, when he had sufiiciently recuperated, he organized what became Company E. of the Xinety-fourth Ohio \'olunter Infantry, and was commissioned its captain. With his command he went to the front and at the l>attle of Stone River, on the 15th of December, 1862, he was wounded and died from the eflfects of his injuries on the 15th of January, 1863. His wife had passed away about 1859, leaving two children: John D., of this review, and Augusta F., now the wife of W. T. Poagiie.

John D. Steele, having been left an orphan, made his home with his paternal grandparents, and in the common schools he pursued his preliminary education, which was afterward supplemented by study in the high .school of Xenia and in the Uni- versity of Woostcr. ;il W'ooster, Ohio, where he was graduated in llie class of 1877 witli tlie degree of Bachelor of Arts. He also took a business course, and later in the same year he entered the office of his uncle, J. H. Harbine, a dealer in grain and tlour hi Xenia, remaining with him until .April, 1S81. At that time Mr. Steele entered upon an independent business venture, purchasing the interest of M. C .Mlison in the wholesale house of Allison, Eavey & Carson, at which time the firm name was changed to Eavey, Carson & Steele. Another change occurred in Jul}' of the same year, when the business style of Eavey & Company was assumed, Mr. Steele remaining as an active member of the house. An extensive and successful business was carried on, to which result Mr. .Steele contributed his full share until Jul}-, 1 888, when he sold his interest and became a member of the Hooven & .Allison Compan}', of which he was also one of the incorporators. He was elected as secretary and general manager and also became a member of the board of directors. This compajiy was incorporated for three hundred thousand dollars and purchased the old plant on West Second street. The business of manufacturing cordage was then begun. The new company also Ijought out what was known as the plant of the Ohio Cordage Company and also enlarged and increased its capacity. The plant of the Xenia Cordage Company was also added to their enterprise and the company is now operating it as a successful commercial twine mill. In the various plants employment is fiirnished to about five hundred people - the largest numljer of employes in the service of any one company in Greene county. Thus a very successful and extensive business has been carried on, the trade constantl}- increasing, while the output is sent into all sections of the country. The main office is located in Xenia, with branch offices and warehouses at Kansas City and Minneapolis. The firm is represented liy locrd agents at different points. Until 1901 a factory was also conducted in Zanesville, Ohio, where one hundred operatives were employed. Mr. Steele has extensive business interests in other lines. In 1889 he organized the Steele, Hop- .kins & Meredith Company, incorporated, and bought the old business of B. F. Funk & Company, of S])ringfield, Ohio, since conducting a successful business there as wholesale grocers. He is also connected with the Electric I-ight Company, and in 1896 he erected the finest office building in Xenia, known as the Steele block. It is a fire proof, Steele structure, built in the most modern style of architecture and with all of the latest impro\ements and acces.sories. Three of its floors are devoted to oiilice purposes, while the fourth and fifth fioors have been leased to the Masonic fraternity. This building is a credit to the city as well as a monument to the business ability oi the owner.

On the i8th of January, 1893, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miriam E. Yockey, of Xenia, a daughter of the Rev. S. B. Yockey, now pastor of the Eighth Avenue Ref(irmed church, of Columbus, Ohio. Cnto our subject and his wife have been born three children : John Daniel ; Margare Elinor ; and Florence Miriam. Mr. Steele belongs to Xenia Lodge, X'^o. 49, F. & A. M.; Xenia Chapter, R. A. M., and to the Reformed church of Xenia, in which he is serving as an elder. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, btit would never consent to hold office. He lias had no taste for political life, even if Iiis l)usiness interests would permit him to enter it. hut during his active career he has held many important relations to the public interest, through the lousiness enterprise he has conducted. He has never sought to tigure personally before the public in any light i>r in any relation, but has always been deeply interested in the social, moral and industrial mo\ements of the commiuiitv.

Captain Moses Walton

A new cha])ter has been added to American history at a recent date and one which reflects great credit upon the nation. It chronicles the military and naval strength of the country and shows that the United States has ' won a place among the great powers of the world. This result comes from the aggregate endeavor of many bra\'e men who at their covuitry's call went forth to aid in carrying out the doctrine which says that no foreign ])0\\er shall encroach upon the liberties of the people of the new world. Captain Walton certainly won distinction through his military service which was of great benefit to his native land.

He was born in what is now the village of Spring \'alley, December 2/. 1846. his parents being Moses and Rachel ( Ragan ) Walton. His boyhood days were sjient in the \illage. the father owning a farm there upon which the Captain was reared. After acfpiiring his elementary education in the district schools he later became a student in Spiceland Academy of Henry county. Indiana, an institution which at the present time is conducted under the supervision of the Society of Friends. After years there passed Captain \\'alton returned to his home pnd a few months later he and his father established a mill for the manufacture of flax tow in 1866. The following year he and his father established a mercantile store and also continued the manufacture of tow. In 1869 they extended the field of their labors by engaging in the manufacture of bagging, successfully conducting all three enterprises. From 1868 until 1891 he and his brother were also interested in the pork packing business in connection with their father and Mr. Barrett. In 1872 they closed their store and in 1881 the bagging mill was destroyed by fire, and tb.ey did not again assume business alorig that line but continued to engage in pork packing. In 1883,. however. Captain Walton withdrew from the business and went to Trebein to take charge of the wheat department until 1 SS~. In that year he purchased the oil mill in Spring \'alley. conducting the same until 1897. when he accepted a clerkship in the office of the postoffice inspector at Cincinnati. He was empinyed in that capacity until the 23th of May, 1898. when he was appointed captain in the quartermaster's department of the First Brigade. Second Division. First Army Corps, for service in the Spanish-American war. and was at Chickamauga and at Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tennessee. When the army was re-organized he was made quartermaster of the First Brigade of the First Division of the First .\rmy Corps. In October the brigade was ordered to Cancti S]iiritus. Cuba, and he was the first quartermaster located in the Santa Clara l)r(>vince, where he remained for three nvmths. The brigade was then broken up an<l lie was ordered to Cienfuegus as assistant of the cliief quartermaster of tlie province of Santa Clara and Matanzas, under (ieneral John C. Hates. After five monihs there passed Captain Walton was ordered to Xew ^'ork citv tn go on a transport as cajjtain, (|uarierniaster and commissary. He was in the transport ser\ice for two years, first as (juartermaster on the Di.xie, on which he made a trip from New York to Matanzas. Havana and Cienfuegus, returning- thence to Xew York. Later he was transferred to the transpnrl liurnside, which was the only large prize captured from the Spaniards, it formerly liaxing been the transport Rita. He has a very interesting- relic captured fmui the Spaniards at that time which was found in the vessel. He was on the transport at the time when the teachers in Cuba were brought to Boston and in his jiossession has a diar_\- which was kept on the voyage by the superintendent of the model schools of Ceinfuegiis - Sanfrisc(i Castro - which was written in Spanish, but has been translated into linglish. Cajnain Walton paid the teachers at Cienfuegus f(jr two months' ser\ices. This was the first money they had recei\cd fnr a ])eriod of three years and three months, ;uiil the money which was given them on the ist of March, icSgg, was gratefully received. They we; e ])ai(l in greenbacks, which was the first money of the kind thev had ever seen.

In July, 1900. Captain Walton was transferred to the Seilgwick and was in connnand until the 21st of October of the same year, when he was transferred to the Buforcl. remaining in charge of that transport until the ist of May. 1901. He cros.sed the ocean to Gibraltar, niade his way to the Island i)f Malta, to Port Said, and through the Suez Canal, thence on to Colombo and the Isle of Ceylon. At Singapore the vessel did not anchor because of cholera at that i)lace. but continued on to Manila, the trip consuming fifty-one days. Captain Walton spent over two niMUths in Manila and then returned on the Lkifnrd. bringing with him the Twenty-seventh United States Regiment to San Francisco. Going out, he never lost a man. At San Francisco he gave up his command and went to Washington in order to work u])on his papers. If the history of his naval .service was tnl 1 in detail it would furnish many an interestins: and e.xcitinsT chapter. He is thoroughly familiar with the modern methods of naval warfare and pro\ed himself a most loyal soldier.

On the _'5th of September. iSOj, the Captain was united in marriage to Miss Ellen r>. Hep ford, of Spring Valley. She was burn in Uaytui-:, a daughter of J. \V. and Elizabeth (Hess) Hepford. The\- mnv ha\e seven children : John Edward, a farmer of S])ring \'alley; Bessie R., the wife of K. C. \ an \\ inkle, a teacher in the ])ublic schools of Sjjring \'allev ; J. T., who in 1899 becanie justice of the peace, being the youngest incumbent that has ever filled that office iti Ohio; Rosella, the wife uf .\. E. Wright, of Dayton ; Samuel M.. a student in Dayton; Joseph H., who is attending .school in Spring Valley; and Mary L., who completes the fannly.

The Captain has been a stanch Republican since casting his first presidential vf)te for Grant in 1868, and has served as a men-,l)er of the city council of Spring V^'dley. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and his people all adhere to that faith. Such in brief is the life history of Moses Walton. In whatever relation of life we fintl him - in tlie government ser\ice, in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly gi\"en him.

Fraxcis Grixxell

Francis Grinnell is one of the early settlers and leading and influential citizens of Miami township, and as the qualities of an upriglit manhocxl are numbered among his salieiu characteristics he well deserves mention among the representative men of Greene county. He was born in X'ew Bedford, Massachusetts, Xovember 5. 18.21, a son of Cornelius and FJiza ( Russell) Grinnell. The father was also born in Xew Bedford and there spent almost his entire life with Ih.e exception of a few years, during which he was engaged in business in Xew ^'ork. His father was a captain in the n^erchant marine service and Cornelius Grinnell also engaged in shipping and in the whaling trade. He died at the comparatively early age of forty years. The mother of our suljject had passed away previously and the father iiad married a sister of his first wife. The (Irinnell family in religious faith were originally Friends.

P'rancis ' h-innell silent the entire peri::iil of iiis minority in tlie place of his nativity. He was educated in the academy at South Kings-ton, Rhode island, and afterward at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and for one year was a student at \\'ell College at Jamaica Plains, near Boston. After completing his education he entered the counting room of liis lirother at Xew Bedford, but remained onlv a sliort time, after which, until twentvone years of age, he traveled from place to place, iK-ing employed in various ways. On attaining his majority he purchased a farm near Xew Bedford. This had formerlv been an island, but was dyked in by his father, wiio purchased the land in 1812. Mr. Grinnell of this review remained upon his farm and continued its- cultivation until 1855. when he sold that property and came to Ohio with his family, settling at Yellow Springs, in Miami township. For two years he resided there and then purchased a tract of land of one hundred anil sixty-eight acres in Miami township. This he improved. i)lacing it under a high state of cultivation. He tlien purchased one hundred and forty acres more and added to the farm from time to time until he now owns something over three hundred and fifty acres. In 1862 he purchased of ^Mathew Conny the gristmill which he now operates. It was built in 1821 and is therefore one of the landmarks of the connnunity. Mr. Grinnell has operated the mill and engaged in farming ever since he mafle the purchase of the property, and is a worthy representative of the agricultural and industrial interests of the community. In 1846 in \\'ashington, D. C was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Grinnell and Miss IMarian Gales Johnson, a daughter of Robert and Winifred (Gales) Johnson, the former a native of Xorth Carolina. Mrs. Grinnell was a de\ out member of the Episcopal cliurch and a most estimable lady. Siie died upon the home farm in Miami township in 1893. leaving a family of eight children, while one had i)reviously passeil away. Cornelius H.. who owns a large ranch and is extensively engaged in raising cattle in Sheridan, \^'yl>ming. married Miss Sabiton and thev ha\e three children : Ma- lian W'., now deceased; Joseph and Lawrence. .\lt )na Holstein became the wife of Bailey Willis, a son of X. P. Willis, the poet, and ched leaving one child. Hope. Robert J., who is engaged in milling in South Carolina, is married and his children arc: P.urard. Kate, Reginald, and Ernest, who is deceased. Frank, who was born in Jvlassachusetts on the home farm, came to Greene county with his parents, and liere resided until looi, when he removed to Kentucky, where he is now engaged in farming. He married Miss Minnie Robinson, and they have one child, Catherine \\'inifred. Gales M., who follows farming in Miami townshi]), wedded Millie Goe and they ha\'e one child, Bailey W. Ernest, born in IMiami township, is married and resides in Sheridan. Wyoming. Xellie W. is at home. \\'illiam L., of Portland, Oregon, married Ethel Galloway and their children are: George and Francis M. Morton R. is assisting his father on the home farm. He married Ksther Kolp and their children are Marjorie, Malcolm M.. Ralph and Harold. For almost a half century Francis Grinnell has resided in Greene county and is well known to many of its citizens. He has always been an industrious, energetic man and in his business affairs has manifested the strictest integrity and fidelity to commercird ethics. Throughout the community he is held in high regard, and as one of the early settlers of ]\Iiaini township he well deserves menlion in this \'olunie.

S.Amuel M. Allison

ty|)e of .^anerican citi/.ens who contrilnite to the general prosperity while promoting individual success. Through the establisliment of important business interests he gave employment to a large number of workmen and thus the commercial activity was advanced. He possessed untiring industrv, was (piick of perception, formed his plans readily and was determined in their e.xecution. He was energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and his popularity was well deserved, for in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. Few men ccuild be more widely missed than Mr. Allison, of Xenia, whose long and honorable connections with business interests made him of wdue here.

Sanniel McXair .\llison was born in Shelby county. Ohio, in May, 1836. his parents being Samuel and Mary Allison. His early life was spent upon the home farm near Sidney and* in the district schools 11I the neighborhood he acquired his early education, which was later supplemented by study in Sidnew His father clied when he w^as a mere boy, and as soon as he was able to take his place in the business world he contributed largely to the support of his mother and sisters. He has three surviving sisters : !Mrs. Rebecca Hench. of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; ]\Iargaret R.. who resides with her brother; and Hester, the wife of J. S. Armstrong, of Xenia. William, wdio was a well known insurance agent of Xenia, recently died.

On the 15th of March, 1851, when not yet sixteen years of age, Mr. Allison secured employment as a clerk in the store of Allison & Townsley, the senior member being his brother, James Allison, while the junior member was T. V. Townsley. Our subject appHetl himself closely to mastering- the business, becoming a valued salesnian in the store, and in February. 1857, was admitted to a partnership. Upon the death of his brother, James, lie became the head of the establishment, the tirm name of Allison & Townsley being retainetl until 1889, when the firm disst)lved partnership and the enterprise was discontinued.

Before retiring from the dry-goods trade Mr. Allison had extended his efforts into other tieKIs of business activity, being one of the organizers of the Xenia Twine & Cordage Company, which became a i)rofitable concern. In company with others he took hold of the Xenia .Mill on the Cincinnati i)il<c and from a small concern it was developed under his direction until it became a flourishing institution. .\t length, however. Mr. Allison sold his interest and in partnership with Joseph X. l-'icld. now a ca])italist in luigland. organized the Field Cordage Coni])any. which erected a cordage plant in Xenia. The Cordage Trade Journal in an obituary written at the time of his death ga\e the following account of his business interests: ".Xfter it was operated for several years the Field Company's Binder Twine factory was leased in January. 1890, to the Xational Cordage Company for five years at the rental of forty-five thousand dollars a year. .At the same time Mr. .\llison made a contract not to engage in a com]ieting business, for which he was to receive six thousand dollars per annum. The National Company re]nidiated the contracts after living up to them for one year, and when suit was brought to enforce them the Ohio court decided they were null and voitl, being in restraint of trade. However, in

October, 1891. the Xational Company bought the Field Company's property for two hundre<l and forty thousand d(.)llars. ^Ar. Allison then became active in operalions independent of the Xational Cordage Company. Joining with Messrs. Hooven and C iambi e, of .Miamisburg, Ohio, he helped to launch the Hoo\'en& Gamble Company in the manufacturing of machinery for the manufacture of cordage. Mr. Allison being president of the c mipany from its incorp iration in 1892 until .\piil, 1900. In 1892 he was instrumental in organizing the Xorthweslern Cordage Company, which erected a plant in .St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Allison was vice-president and general manager, and his son, Lewis M. Allison secretary of that corporation. This companv was not successful, which was partly due to the misforttmes of imusual description. One of these was the falling of a roof that was hea\'ily weighted 1)_\' snow, the accident causing injuries to a number of employes, several of whom recovered verdicts for large sums, one being for twentv-eight thousand dollars, which was later set aside as excessive. On May 19, 1893. Charles S. Rogers, president of the Xorthwestern Company, committed suicide by jum]iing from the 'high' bridge over the Mississippi ri\er at St. Paul. He left a letter addressed to Mr. Allison, who ontinued an officer of the company until December. 1894. In January, 1895, Mr. .'vUison applied for the appointment of a receiver for the company, alleging that the corporation was insohent. <-)wing o\er two hundred thousand dollars, while its assets, held at three hundred thousand dollars, were not worth over fifty thousand. This application was denied, although the company's ofiicers admitted that money had been lost.

In September, 1898. the property was sold to the Northwestern Grass Twine Companx', and in March, 1899, the cordage machinery was sold to the Hooven & Allison Company of Xenia, Ohio, and the Columbian Cordage Company, of Auljurn, Xew York, in Septern])er, 1897. Mr. Allison purchased the Ohio, Xenia and Field Cordage mills in Xenia from the reorganization committee of [he United Slates Cordage Company, lie immediately sold the Ohio mill to the Hooven & Allison Company and later he sold the Xenia mill to C. X. Lupton. In October, 1898, the Field Twine & Cordage Com[jany, under the management of Mr. Allison, staiteil up the old Field works, making l.'inder iwinc for the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, and the hard fibre machinery has operated steadily since then. Mr. Allison plamied to start the hem]) twine iilant last July. i)ut his illness prevented him from doing so."

Mr. Allison was certainly a man of great business enterprise and of undaunted perseverance and deserved great credit for what he accomplished. He looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. He was always looking for opportunities and was quick to recognize a favorable one and use it. His keen discrimination, sound judgment, while they contributed to his own ad\-ancement, also promoted the general prosperit}'.

Mr. Allison was twice married, On the 15th of May, 1868, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Julia Myers and they l)ecame the parents of three children, who are yet liv'ing : Lewis, who assisted his father in the conduct of the cordage business : Jeanette and Albert. Mrs. Allison died on the ist of March, 1892. and for his second wife Mr.

.\llis(.)n chose Miss Louie Myers, a sister of hers for his wife, their marriage being celebrated in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the 25th of January, 1894. She still survives !ier husband. Like him, she shares in the high regard of many warm friends and has a large circle of acipiaintances in Xenia. Throughout the years of his manhood Mr. Allison took a deep and active interest in ever_\rhing pertaining to the public progress, and his hearty co-o])cration was given to many movements for the general good. His natural endowments were a quick and strong lemiicr and a warm heart, a gentle manner and a (|uiet courtesy. To control the first and to make his life the flf)wer and expression of the other traits was the task which nature assigned him. \\'e know nothing of the struggle, but were dail\' witnesses of the victory. Kindness was the motive of his life. He had a well-spring of afifection and a quick and generous sympathy which increased by giving. Like all who walk through life on a higher plane than the great majority of his fellows, his companionship was select, rather than large, but the many who looked u]) to and respected hiiu realized as fully as did the few who were nearer him that a true man had fallen.

John Ambuhl

John Ambuhl. deceased, was a factor in business circles in Xenia for many years and he had a w ide acquaintance in the city. He was born in Switzerland on the 15th of August, 1826. and was one of seven children, whose parents were Jacob and Rachel (Crup].)) Ambuhl. In the schools of his na- tive land he acquired liis education and when a young man he learned the weavers trade which he followed for a number of years, but he had very little opportunity to advance his business in his native country and he resolved to seek a home in the new world. having heard favorable rejxirts of the advantages here given to young men of ambition and determination. Accordingly in the year of 1854 he sailed for the United States, landing in Xew York. Later he made his way westward, taking up his abode in Greene county, and after arriving in Xenia he learned the butcher's trade. In 1858 he established a meat market which he conducted successfully until his death. He prospered in his undertakings for his business affairs were creditably managed and he put forth ever\- effort to please his customers. His prices were also reasonable and his work brought to him a good financial return.

On Xovember i6. 1858. Mr. Ambuhl w as united in marriage to Miss Eva Fisher, a daughter of Andrew Fisher, who followed farming for a livelihood. She was torn in Bavaria May 16. 1835, of which place her parents were also natives. With them she came to America when eight years old. the family first settling in Easton, Pennslvania, and ab<iut 1854 moving to Xenia. w here Mr. Fisher remained until his death. Thev. as well as .Mr. Ambuhl. were all members of the Reformed church. In the familv were six children. By her marriage Mrs. .Ambuhl became the mother of seven children : William T.. who represents his mother's business and is a wide-awake, progressive young man; Ida F. : Katie: Fannie B. ; Frank .\. : Carrie E., and Ella. The children all reside with their mother and the family is a highly respectetl one in the community, tiie members of the household occupying an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Ambuhl passed away on the 5th of September. 1887. He was a member of the Democratic party and strongly endorsed its principles. He was also identified w ith the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red ^len and enjoyed the high rearard of his brethren of these fraternities. He ne\ er had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the newworld for here he found the opportunities he sought, winning success in business, gaining a good home and enjoying the friendship ant! '-f^o-ard of a large circle of acquaintances.

William H. Bull

It axgiies well for Greene county, its opportunities and advantages, that so many of its native sons have remained residents of this part of the state, and among this number is William H. Bull, who was born v.ix)n the old homestead farm in Xenia township and is still living there. His parents were James R. and Amelia (Moudy) Bull. The father was also born upon the farm where occurred the birth of our subject. It was called Clark's Run road and consisted of one thousand acres of land. It had been purchased by the great-grandfather of our subject. William Bull, who in 1797 Ijecaine the owner of this property. He was a native of \'irginia and when a young man emigrated to Ohio, having bought what was known as the old Bull homestead. He there spent his remaining days clearing the land of the timber and transforming it into richly cultivated fields, making there a good home for himself and family. He passed awav wlieii alioiu seventy }ears of age ami was laid to rest in the Stevenson graveyard. His son, Richard Bull, the grandfather of our suhject, also lived and died upon the old homestead, passing away at the age of t'.fty-three years. He built a house to rel)iace the old log cabin which had been built by his father and he also purchased other property, having a valuable farm of two hundred and four acres at the lime of his death.

James R. Bull likewise occupied the old h.omestead throughout his life. He attended the district school which was built upon the fanu, the land having been given for that purpose by the family. \\'hen his school days were ended he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and throughout iiis business career carried on those pursuits, meeting with creditable success in his undertakings. There he died at the age of seventy-two years and was laid to rest in the Woodland cemetery in Xenia. In his religious faith he was a Methodist and belonged to the Oldtown church. His political was with the Democracy, but he was never a politician in the sense of ofificeseeking. His widow is still living and yet resides upon the old family homestead with her youngest son, Richard. She is a native of Maryland and when nine years of age came to Ohio with her parents. Peter and Xancy (McClain) Moudy. Her father was also born in Maryland and on emigrating westward took up his alxxle in Beavercreek township, Greene county, where he lived for aJKHit a year and then removed to Ccdarville towiishii). He built the old Moudy lluur mill, but shortly after its completion died. His wife passed away in i860. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bull were lx)rn five children, the eldest of whom is William H. Bull, of this ro\iew. Lewis M., who resides in Xenia, was for twenty years a grocer of that city but is now a traveling man. He is married and has one son. James .\mbrose, who was engaged in the grocery business and in school teaching, died at the age of twentysix years. Ann Sophia died at the age of six months. Richard E. resides upon the iild home place in Xenia township.

On the old family homestead, which had so long been in possession of the family, William H. Bull was reared, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He early became familiar with fanu work and assisted his father in the lalx)rs of field and meadowuntil he was thirty-one years of age. In 1878 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and eighteen acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has remodeled the buildings and the place is conveniently located upon the Clifton pike in Xenia township. During the i)ast nine years he has been engaged f(uite extensively ii; stock-raising and finds this a profitable source of income owing to his capable management and his reliable business methods. He is to-day numbered among the progressive farmers and stock-raisers of his comnumily and well deserves mention as one of the repre.sentative citizens of this localitv.

On the 28th of March. 1877, in Xenia t(5wnship, Mr. Bull was united in marriage to Miss Annie L. Stevenson, a daughter of Samuel X. and Sarah O. (Keenan) Stevenson. Unto our subject and his wife have been brjrn three children, but the first born died unnamed, in 1889. Annie May is now a student in the high school of Xenia. Thev also lost their youngest child, W. LeRov, who died at the age of seventeen months.

h will be interesting in this connection to note something of the ancestral history of Mrs. Bull. Her great-grandfather. Samuel Stevenson, resided in Kentucky until his removal to Ohio, when he established a home in Greene county. His son. James Stevenson, was the grandfather of Mrs. Bull. He came to what is known as the Stevenson neighlx)r]iood. from Kentucky in 1798. locating on six hundred acres of land, including the site of \Mlberforce University. He married Ann Galloway, a sister of Esquire George Galloway, who with his family came from Kentuck\- alx)ut the same year and located rt^e miles north of Xenia near the Little Miami river, building for the familv home a residence just north of the large iron l>ridge across the Miami river on the Yellow Springs pike. This residence is now owned by the Miami Powder Companv, who have patriotically preserved it as first built. It bears the placard. ''Built in 1801." Upon the old family homestead on die 4th of -April. 181 6, Samuel X. Stevenson, the father of Mrs. Bull, was torn, and there he spent his entire life. He reclaimed almost all of his farm of two hundred acres from the forest and thereon built a large and commodious home. On the 4th of March. 1846. he was united in marriage to :Miss Sarah Olive Keenan. who was born in Perry. Somerset county. Ohio, July 30. 1S21. They became the parents of eight children : Marv E.. the wife of Philander Mayne. of Mount Carmel, Illinois; Rachel S., the wife of X. B. Smaltz. of W'arrenboro. Missnuri : I. William, who resides in Cedarville township; Ellen L., the wife of Wallace Freeman, of M(5unt Carmel. Illinois; Annie L.. now Mrs. Bull; Aletha. the wife of Robert Bird, of Cedarville. Ohio: Louie, who died at the age of twelve years; and Susanna, wh(.) died in infancy. All of the living children of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson were home upon the occasion of the golden wedding of th.eir parents, celebrated ilarch 4. 1896. The fift_\-fifth anniversary of their marriage occurred only a few weeks before the death of Mr. Stevenson.

Throughout his entire business career Mr. Stevenson carried on general -farming and stdck-raising and as the years i)assed he prospered in his undertakings. His life record was ended in death ]\Iarch 23, 1901, and he was laid to rest in what is known as the Stevenson cemetery. His widow still survives him and is now living with her tlaughter. Mrs. Bull. In the vear 1837 her father joined the Methodist church and from that time until his death was one of its zealous and active members. For more than a half century he served as a class leader and was ever devoted and loyal to the cause of Christianity. His life was indeed honorable and upright ; he practiced moderation in all things, was strictly honest in all his dealings with odiers and was noted during all his long life for his cheerful disposition and for the self-sacrifice he was ever ready to make for the happiness of others. His virtues were many ; his faults were \erv few, and he was esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.

At an early epoch in the development of (h-eene county the McKay family was established within its borders, his ancestors bearing all the hardships and trials of pioneer life and aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and improvement of the countv. The work began by his ancestors the su))ject of this review is still carrying on, and is widely known as a progressive and loyal citizen of his native county. He was born in Caesarscreek township upon the farm that he now occupies July 30, 1856, and is a son of Moses and Rachel ( Faulkner) McKay. His father was born in Clinton county, Ohio, November 2(), 1823, and his ])arents, George and IMary ( Ferguson) McKay, were natives of Berkeley count)'. West Virginia. On emigrating westward to this state Mrs. McKa}', the granduKitluM", road un burseback. They took up their aboile in Clinton c<junty, and the grandfather purchased one thousand acres of land in the mitlst of the forest, and there, with characteristic energy, began the develo])nient of a farm. When the estate was divi<led at the time of his death, each 01 his nine children -received one hundred acres.

Moses McKay, the father of our subject, pursued his education in a little log school house near his home. In the same school bis future w ife was a student. She was born in Caesarscreek township, September 12, 1824, and after reaching years of maturity they were married on the i6th of Novemlicr, 1848. They began their domestic life upon the farm which is now the home of their son Newton, and there spent their remaining days. Mr. McKay cleared the greater part of the land. He cleared one hundred acres and was also the owner of one hundred acres of timber land. In connection with the raising of the crops best adapted to the soil and climate be was extensively engaged in thb manufacture of maple sirup and sugar. His industry was unflagging, his perseverance never failing, and to these qualities of his manhood he largelv owed the creditable success which crowned his efforts. Both Mr. and Mrs. IMcKay were members of the Baptist church. The latter was reared in the society of Friends, but because of her marriage outside of the faith she was disowned by the church. In his political views he was a Republican, the party receiving his warm endorsement. Tliey had but two children, the daughter, Mary E., being now the deceased wife of Freeman H. Oglesbee, who is living in Caesarscreek township. The father, Moses !McKay, was called to the home beyond October 13, 1862, and his wife, long sur\iving bim, passed away June 3, 1898. Both were interred in the old family burying ground on the homestead farm.

In a manner not unlike that of most boys of the ]ieriod, Newton S. McKay was reared. At the usual age be began mastering the common branches of learning taught in the district schools, continuing his education until eighteen years of age, although during the last few years he attended only through the winter months. He has known no other home than the farm upon which he lives, and it is endeared to him through the associations of boyhood and manhood. To this place he brought bis bride when, on the 31st of December, 1879, he was married to Miss Ella O. Jenkins, whose birth occurred in Liberty township, Clinton county, in 1857. Her parents, Alarsball and Elizabeth (King) Jenkins, were natives of that county, but both are now deceased, the father having dieil October 28, 1865, at the age of forty-five years and is buried in the Baptist cemetery, Liberty township, while the mother passed away December 30, i8gi, at the age i:)f si.xt\'-se\'en, and was laid to rest at TipU-n, Indiana. In tlieir family there were eight children: James, who lives in Kansas; Celeste, the wife of John T. Hempstead, of Clinton county; Mary, wlio married Thomas Sutherland, of Indiana ; John, a resident of Texas; Mrs. McKay : Emmett; Anna, the wife of Eugene Hale, of Wilmington : and David, of Clinton county, Oh.io. The marriage of our subject and his wife has Iieen graced witli three children. of whom Zora and Roy B. are at home. while I\Iary died in 1893 at the age of thirteen months.

Mr. and Mrs. McKay have a wide acquaintance throughout the county and their circle of friends is almost co-extensive. Their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality and good cheer. The house was erected by Mr. McKay's father the year previous to his death. The farm comprises one Inuulred and sixty-six acres of rich land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. an<l in connection with general farming Mr. McKay is engaged in tire raising of shorthorn cattle and has won a number of prizes at county fairs. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Repulilican party received his political endorsement, ;nid he has served as trustee of his township. His aims have alwavs been to attain to the best, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His success has lieen the result of honest persistent effort in the line of hom^rable and manlv dealing.

Arthur Gerl.Vugh

1819, in an old log house tliat stood within f I sight of his present dwelling upon the farm which is yet his place of abode. His parents were Adam and Catherine (Flaines) Gerlaugh. The former was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1786. and the latter, a native of the same county, was born a few days later. In 1807 Adam Gerlaugh liecame a resident of Ohio, accompanying Ills father, wln) also bore the name of Adam, to Eeavercreek township. Greene county, settling upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. The family sent their goods d(j\vn the Ohio ri\er while they traveled o\erland by wagons and teams, eight weeks lieing constuned in making the trip which led through the forests and over poor roads, which were often scarcelv more than a trail. Some time prior to the arrival of the family the grandfather, accompanied bv Mr. Haines, made a trip to Ohio, looking o\er the land, and after making purchases they returned-^o Maryland. The latter never afterward came to Ohio, but his family later renio\-ed to this state and occupied the land which he had purchased. Adam Gerlaugh. the grandfather, had become the owner of three-quarters of a section, securing a quarter-section for each of his children. Upon Ihe place he erected a log cabin and the family began their life in Ohio in that primitive dwelling. With characteristic energy he took to work, clearing the farm and de- \-eloping the fields. The land was covered by a dense growth of timber. Soon the woodman's ax awakened the echoes of the forest and in course of time the sunlight fell upon the plowed fields and the ripened grain which had there been planted by pioneer hnnds. .\dam Gerlaugh bore an active part in the work of primitive development and progress, niid aided in laying' the fnuuilatinn for the present advanced coiuHtion of Greene county, enabling it to take an important position in this great conimonwcalth. He died between 1820 and 18J5, wlien about seventy years of age.

Adam Gerlaugh, the father of our subject, became familiar with pioneer experiences, for his youth was largely passed in Greene county before the work of progress and civilization had made great changes. He married Catherine Haines in the winter of 1807-8. Slie had come with her brother and his family to the cinuit\- in 1807, making the trip on horseback fruni Maryland. They settled upun the laud which had been purchased Ijy her father some time before when he had come to Ohio w ith the grandfather of our subject. Mrs. Gerlaugh was born .\pril jj. 1788, and her death occurred on the 19th of April, 185 J. She and her husband had li\'ed together as man and wife for forty years until death separated them, their nuuual love and confidence increasing as the years passed by. Mr. Gerlaugh belonged to the German Reformed church, while his wife held membership in the Lutheran church. Several years after her tleath he went to Wisconsin to visit a son and while on the return tri]) was taken ill in Warren ci>unty, Illinois, and there died in the liDUie (if aniither son. in i85(). when se\'- enty years of age. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, eight sons and two daughters: David, miw deceased, who is mentioned on another i)age iif this volume; Jacob, who has also passed away and his history forms a part of this work; Otho and Adam, who have departed this life; Kobert, who li\es in A\'arren county. Illinois; Arthur, of this review; Jonathan, deceased; Frances, the wife of Benjamin Clark, a resident of ^Montgomery county, Ohio; Henry, deceased; and Mary Jane, now Mrs. Hawker, of Dayton, Ohio.

At an eaily age Arthur Gerlaugh atteniled school that was held in a littlfe log cabin where the furnishings were primtive. The methods of instruction were scarcely niiire modern than the building. He went each morning and night a distance of two and one-half miles to and from his home in the winter months. He pursuetl his studies until he was sixteen years of age, and during the siunmer months he worked in the fields and meadows, assisting in the culti\'ati(in of crops and the care of the stock. He gained good practical experience in farm work, and throughout his active business c;ireer was identified with the tilling of the soil.

On the 20th of August, 1854, Mr. Gerlaugh was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Kockafield, who was born in Dath township, Greene county, a daughter of John and Susanna (Cost) Rockafield, both of whom were natives of this anmty. T\vo sons were born unto our subject and his wife: Charles, the elder, married Julia A. Hower, and they reside in Clark county, Ohio, where he is extensively and successfully engaged in the breeding of shorthorn cattle. They have six children - .-\rthur, who is pursuing a college course in Springfield, Ohio; Hower, Ellen, Bertha, Paul and Catherine, at home. John, the younger son, married Bertha Scott, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lutes) Scott, and they reside upon the father's farm, the operation of which devolves upon John (ierlaugh, who is making a specialty of the breeding of shorthorn cattle. He and his wife liave no children of tlieir own. but lia\e an adopted daughter. Betli Gerlaugli Conley, wlio is now a student of the high school. In liis business interests John (ierlaugh is very successful, and lias taken many prizes and sweepstakes with liis herd of shorthorn cattle.

.Arthur Merlaugh of this re\iew is a Republican in politics and keeps well informed on th.e issues of the day, but has never ])een an aspirant for office, preferring to de\ote his energies to business affiairs. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren cliurch. in which he is serving as a trustee and the cause of Christianity finds in him a warm friend. He ever does his part in promoting the cause of the church and in advancing all interests that tend to benefit mankind. To-day he is one of the most prcjsperous agriculturists of his community. For many years he was closely associated with farming interests and well does he deserve the rest from, labor which he is now enjoying. His judicious investments, his careful supervision of his financial interests and his indefatigable energy ha\c resulted in making him the owner of nearly eleven Inmdred acres of well improved land King in Greene and Clark counties. In 1875 he erected a fine brick residence upon his farm, it is sujtplied with a hot water plant for beating, is tastefully furnished and in all its appointments indicates the culture and refined taste of its occupants. Mr. Gerlaugli also has a large barn forty-four bv ninetv feet, which was built by his lather. .\s years have passed and im])rovements have been made in farm machinery he has been quick to note those of practical value and to bring them into use u])on his place. He has added to bis farm all modern ef|uipments and accessories and now has one of the most desirable countr\- seats in Greene county. Of recen.t years he has left the work and supervision of the farm to his son and is enjoying an honorable retirement from labor. It would be difficult to find a man in all this count}' who has a wider knowledge of its history, its progress and its de\-elopment. Throughout life he has resided upon the farm which is still his home and no historv of Greene county would be complete without a record of his life.

Johx H. Thomas

John H. Thomas ma\' be justlv proud of what he has wrought, for his creditable position 1!! the business world is the result of his own enterprise and well directed efforts. He resides in Paintersville and it was in this village that his birth occurred on the 12th of February. 1854. his parents being James and Catherine ( Gossard) Thomas. The father was born in Jefferson township and was a son of Arthur Thomas, who came to (ireene county during his boyhood, so that the family has been identified with this portion of the state from pioneer times. When but twenty years of age James Thomas removed to Paintersville and learned the blacksniitlTs trade, which he follow t-d throughout his entire life. His birth occurred .\pri! 25, 1829. and his death May 21, 1900. at which time he was the olde-t resident in the village. His political sup- ;)ort v.as gi\en the Republican i)arty and both he and his wife were consistent and e;-.rr.est members of the Methodist Protestant church. On the 2(1 of Ma\-. 18^14. he enlistetl for service in the Union arm\- and be- came second lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty- fourth Ohio Infantry, witli wiiicli he served until lionural)ly discliarged on the ist of September following;. Jle helnngcd to Lewis Post, G. A. K.. of Xenia and was one of its valued representatives. It was on the 8th of April. 1852, that tie wedded Catherine Gossard, who was born January 7, 1833. and died Xovember 28, 1882. lioth being laid to rest in the cemetery at Jamestown. They had but two children and Ali)ert Pierce died in infancv.

Jiihn II. Thomas, who was the young'er ciiild of the family, pursued his educatiun in the district schools of the \illage antl at the ajje of seventeen began farming, operating his father's land on shares. He now has three hundred and fifteen acres of rich and arable land in Caesarscreek townshi]i. w hich he has jjlaced under a high state of cultivation, and each year the sale of his crops brings to him a good income.

On the 23d of December. 1875. Mr. Tliomas wedded Miss Laura Bell Ar_\'. who was born in Ceasarscreek township, a daughter of John and Evaline ( DeVoe) Ary. Her father, a native of Greene county, was a son of William and Sally Ary. and was educated in the common schools, after which he began farming on his own accoimt on the ])lace now occupied by Mr. Thomas. Here he lived and died, passing awav in 1893 "^^ '^'^^ age of si.xty-nine years. His widow is still living at the age of seventy-five, making her home with her daughter in Xenia townshi]i. Mr. Ary gave his political support to tlie men and measures of the Republican l)arty and was faithful in his allegiance V< I)rinciples of the Methodist Protestant churcii, of which his widow is also a luembcr. In their faniih- were ten children ;

Louisa, the wife nf Lewis Fawcett ; Edith, the widow of Sanuiel Curl, and a resident of Xenia township ; Lydia, who married Piatt E. Mott and resides in Indiana : William, a resident of Caesarscreek township; loscph. who makes his home in Ceasarscreek township; Sally, the wife of Levi Smith of the same townshij): Harriet M.. who married C. M. St. John and also resides in Ceasarscreek townshi]): (ieorge W.. a resident of Darke couiUy. Ohio; Laura, now Mrs. riinmas: and Granville Moody, who has passed away.

L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born three children : Jennie Maude was iu;irricd October 21, 1896, to Hebron Bales of Ceasarscreek township and they ha\-e two children, Reva Bell and Xellie Edith. Charles I-'oster. who resides in the same liiwnship, was married Xovember 24. 1901, to Miss Gertrude Sanderson and they have one child. Emma Ethel was married X'ovember 2j. 1901, toJes.se Peterson and they reside upon the home farm. Mrs. Thomas holds membership relations with the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Thomas \otes with the Republican party but has ne\'er been an as])irant for office preferring that his attention lie gi\-en \n his business alTairs, whereby he has won creditable success. He is a man nf strong determination, self-reliance and undaunted perseverance, and is widely known for his sterling honesty in business life.

Charles R. Evaxs Rodinsox-S History Of Greexe County

ness men of tlie city. He was liorn in Spring \'alley tnwnship, Greene county. November 14. 1871, and is a son of Isaac and Catherine M. (Stump) Evans, also natives of this county. The father is a farmer by occupation and still resides in Spring A'alley township, but his wife was called to her final rest on the 17th of October. 1897, They were the parents of six children : Frank, ^linnie, Lou, Alta. William and Charles R.

In the imblic schools of his native township. Charles R. Evans obtained his education and in his early manhood was associated with his father in farming pursuits. On the 1st of February, igoo, however, he came ti> Xenia and jiurchased a livery barn of Rol)- ert Richardson, since which time he has carried on the business. He has many fine vehicles and good horses and from the pul)lic receives a liberal patronage, which is accorded him in recognition of his earnest desire to please and his honorable dealings. He has always met with creditable success and his strong nature, his enterprise and resolution, will no doubt bring him greater success in the future.

On the 23rd of August, 1900, ]\Ir. E\ans wedded Estelle Luce of Spring Valley, a daughter of William V. Luce of that place. They now have one child. Alildred Catherine. Our subject and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Spring Valley and he belongs to the Spring Valley Lodge. No. 302, L O. O. F. ; Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Xenia. He is also identified with the Odd Fellows Encampment, and his political support is given the men and measures of tlic Republican part}'.

AI. A. Broadstone, who is filling the office of county recorder and is recognized as a public-spirited, progressive and valued citizen of Greene county, was torn in the western part of the county on the 30th of October. 1852. His early life was not unlike that of most fanner lads of the period and locality. He attended the public schools through the winter months and in the summer and fall assisted in the plowing, planting and harvesting. He prided himself on being a good farm hand, when he earned his living by working in the fields and his thoroughness and reliability have ever been salient characteristics in his career. Saving his money he supplemented his earlv education as a student in what is now the Xenia Female Seminary, boys being admitted to the institution at that time. He engaged in teaching in Cedar\'ille township and in Sugarcreek township, and later entered the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio,, and afterwards engaged in the county map and history business for eight years as a representative of the firm of L. H. Everts & Company of Philadelphia. He traveled over many of the states of the Union and gained broad experience through meeting all classes of people.

On the 8th of March, 1881, Mr. Broadstone was married in Coldwater, Michigan,] t(i Miss Ellen Cretors, who at that time was] a teacher in the state public schools of Coldwater. She is, however, a native of Xenia,] a daughter of the late Samuel B. Cretors, one of the pioneers of Xenia. a man of highj ii'telligence and honesty. Tlie daughter was] a student in the Xenia Female Seminaiy at tiie same time when Mr. Broadstone was at- tending there and was graduated in that institution. Three interesting daughters have l^een Ixjrn unto Mr. and Mrs. Broadstone: Louise D., Jean and Patti R.

In March. 1882. our suliject returned tc Xcnia and purchased an interest in the undertaking business, witli tlie late Juim Shrearer. He lias continued in tliat l)usiness ever since, l)eing for a sliort time in partnership with W. M. McMillen and afterward witii T. M. M(K)re. in a partnership tliat continued for more than eleven years. For five years he has conducted the business alnne. Being industrious during his leisure hours and in the evenings he improved his time by studying law and was admitted to the bar after passing a severe examination, at Columbus, in June, 1895. In 1883 he was elected a member of the city council and served for five years in that body, being its president f<jr two years. For seven years he filled the position of county coroner and was twice a candidate for probate judge, but was defeated by a small majority each time. Uix)n the death of S. X. Adams, the recorder of the county, I\Ir. Broadstone was appointed to fill the vacancy and was afterward nominated and elected to the office, so that he is now serving in that jxisition and discharges his duty with promptness and fidelity. He is an Odd Fellow of long standing and a Mason. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of American Mechanics and belongs to the Presbyterian church. He is a gentleman well and favorably known throughout the countv as a citizen of abilitv and integritv.

William Henry Hopping

Cdunted one of the enterprising farmers of S])ring X'alley township, was born in what is now Jasper township, Greene county, October 5. 1836, his i)arents lieing James and Juli.'i Ann (Dean) Hopping. His father wa.s born in this county June 2, 1809, and was a son of David Hopping, who came to Ohio from Virginia, but previous to that time had resided in Tennessee, having ownefl a large number of lots in Memphis. When he reached Greene county he purchased laud in what is now- Jasper township and li\ed thereon until sometime in the '50s when he remo\ed to Delaware countv, Indiana, where his death occurred. In her maidenhood, his wife bore the name of Miss Guffy.

James Hopping did not accomi)any his father to lndi;ina but was reared to manhood and married in Jasjier township. .\l)out 1834 he was joinetl in wedlock to Miss Julia Ann Dean and they became the parents of four children, our subject being the eldest. The father was three times married and by his first union had four children. After the death of his first wife he wedded Mary Ann Eckles, iiec Stewart, and they became the parents of two children. For his third wife he chose Mrs. Margaret (Bull) ^^'inter, and there were two children of that marriage. Se\en of the children born unto James Hopping reached years of maturity.

The suljject of this review was only seven vears of age when his mother died. His youth was spent upon the home farm and in the common schools he became familiar with the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He continued to engage in farm work until October 5, 1861, when he enlisted in Companv A, Seventvfourth Ohio Volunteer Infantrv. going into camp at Xenia, whence the regiment was sent to Camp Chase and afterward to Nash- ville. i:Ie was first under fire at Stone River and was witli his command in all the battles in which it participated up to Qiickamauga, jucluding- the engagement of Mission Ridge. The regiment veteranized at Chattamioga, but Mr. Hopping did not re-enlist with that command and was detailed as a member of the First Battalion Pioneers, with which he continued for six months. In August. 1864. he rejoined his regiment in front of Atlanta and continued with the command until the expiration of his term of service at the close of the war, participating in the liattle of Jonesboro. which was the last engagement. fie was never wounded or captured althou.gh he was in the hospital several times, suft'ering at one time from typhoid fe\'er. After the battle of Stone River he was forced to remain in hospital Xo. 15 for about two months. He proved a loyal soldier, however, never shirking any task which the rules of military life imposed upon him. In 1868 Mr. Hopping went to Illinois and purchased land in Clay county, where he remained for two years, after which he returned to Greene county, Ohio. About that time - on the 22nd of December, 1870 - he was married in Spring Valley township to Aliss Martha C. Lyon, who was tx^rn on the farm where they are nnw living, her parents being James and Mary ( ^IcKnight ) LycMi. They removed to Illinois where they maintained their home until 1872, when thev retiu-ned to (ireene county, taking up their abode upon the farm which is their present place of residence. This place is owned by Mrs. Hopping and contains one hundred and f>irty-iivo acres. Mr. Hopping erected a giiod residence in 1895 to replace tlie one \vhich had been built about 1874 and was Ihuiic'I to the ground about twentv-one

}ears later. He still has an interest in the old homestead and is accounted a progres- fl sive farmer who readily adopts all new methijds w-hich prove of practical value in carrying on the work of tilling the soil.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hopping has been blessed with tW(T children : Jeanette M. and Raymond, both natives of Greene county. Mr. Hopping is a Republican, hut while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, he has never sought or desired office. He and his family are connected with the Presbyterian church of Piellbrook, in which he has ser\'ed as elder for about twelve years. Fraternall\' he is a Alason, belonging to Xenia Lod,ge. X'o. 40, F. & A. M., and also the council and chapter, having a dimit from the latter. He is a charter member of \Y. H. Byrd Post, G. A. R., and for ten years has served as its commander. Fle has continuously been a delegate to its state encampments and has also attended many annual re-unions, the first at Columbus and the last at Cleveland. He thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades and at such times delights in recalling experiences in the south that occurred upon the tented field or in the midst of ]>attle. Although he has never cared for acti\e political service, he is a \-alued citizen, owing to his reliability in business affairs and his advocacy of all that tends to promote the general welfare.

Kobixsoxs History Of Greexe Couxty

liaviiis^' lived an industrious, useful and lionoral)le life. He was horn Xovcmber lo, 1825, in Bavaria, Germany, liis parents lacing George Peter and Katherina (Holtz) Wolf. The father (hed in liis native counlr\- \\hcn our sul)iect was aliout sixteen years of age.

Mr. \\\)\i was reared and educated in liis natise lantl and in 1850, when twentyfive years of age, sailed from Rotterdam for the new wt)rld, acconi]ianied by his wife and me child. They t()ok ])assage in the Lilly, a sailing \-cssel. which after a voyage of seventy-two days reached the hari)or of Xew ^^)rk. They had a tempestuous voyage, a storm continuing for t\\enty-si.\ days. I)Ut at length they arrived at the .Vmerican ])ort in safety. Mr. Wolf continued to make his home in Xew \'ork city two years, working at the locksmith's trade, whicii he had learned in Germany, and at other ])ursuits which would yield him an honest living. In 1S5J he came to Ohio, settling first in Cincinnati, where he remained for two vears. On the expiration of that jieriod. he removed to Columbia Heights near Cincinnati and cultivated a \ ine\ard for nine v'ears. He next became a resident of Greene county, (^hio, locating on the old town jiike in Xenia township, where he rentetl a tract of land and engaged in gardening for about four years. He afterward removed to the Cincinnati pike in the same township, where he continued to cultivate a rented farm for se\'en years. In 1874 he came to Beavercreek township and purchased ninety-eight and one-half acres of land, upon wliich were good huildings. Here he has since made his home and as the years have passed he has prospered in his undertakings and now owns another farm in this township, comprising

Mr. Wolf was married in 1849 ^ Miss Margaret Sorg and unto them have been born ten children. Katherina, who was born in (Germany and is the wife of Andrew Fisher, of Xenia, by whom she has the following children: Elizabeth; (ieorge, deceased; Maude and May, twins; Lavina; Charles; Harry; Clarence: Klmcr and Fred. The .second child died in infancy. Margaret is the wife of Milton Spahr, of Beavercreek township. Mary is the wife of Charles Buck, a resident of Xenia, and their children are: Fdwin: Bertha, deceased; Carl; Margaret; and Phillip. Frank, a resident of Xenia townshi]). married La\inia K. Mackelwain. and the_\' ha\e fi\e children: Margaret. I\a\nionil. hrank. Laura and Louisa. I'^lizabelh is the wife of .\. .\. -Mackelwain and thev reside in Colorado. They have four living children - Frank. Gertrude. Andrew, Ruth, and Helen, who is now deceased. Clara resides with her taihcr and is the seventh memlier of the Wolf family. Charles K.. the eighth member, was l)orn in Xenia township and attended the district schools, while later he became a student in Xenia College, spending a few years there. He also lives at home and largely assists with the farm work, lunma is the wife of Harr_\- S. Garlough of Dayton, Ohio, and the_\ have one child, Hurbert. George, the youngest member of the family, died when about a year old.

During the Civil war .Mr. Wolf was a member of a company known as the Home (iuards. He cast his first presidential vote for Fremont but since that time has given his political support lo the Democracy. The chiklren as well as Mrs. Wolf are members of the Reformed church. Mr. W'ulf has always followed general farming and stockraising, making a sjjecialty of chesler white hogs. They have been no exciting chapters in his life history but he has been a man of strong pinpose, honorable, straightforward, industrious and energetic and these qualities are certainly well worthv of emulation.

Joseph W. Hebble

Joseph W. Hebble. whose identification with the business interests of Xenia made him a valued citizen and whose worth of character commanded respect and admiration, was a native of Greene county, born on the 5th of December. 1843, while his death occurred in the county seat on the 17th of June. 1901. His father, Henry E. Hebble, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born March 12, 1808. In earlv life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade and later he became an engineer on one of the first locomotives that ran over the road in southern Pennsylvania, the railroad at that time being owned bv the state and leased engines and coaches which were owned by a private company. The engines were then built without cabs, and the whole system of railroading was in a ])rimitive condition. For three years the father of our subject was connected with railroading and then turned his attention to the building industry, liuilding butli houses and bridges. He superintended the con- .struction of the solid bridge across the Susquehanna river at Columbia. Pennsylvania, and was connected with manv other important building enterprises, but the e.\- IX)sure which he had undergone while railroading, there being no shelter for the engineer, had undermined his health and from the effects of this he suffered nearlv all his life. In the year 1841 he came to Greene county. Ohio, where he engaged in bridgebuilding and contracting until his death. which occurred on the 25th of March, 1886. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Kramer, was born Xovember 2j. 1810. and I'ke her husband was a native of Pennsvlvania and died in Dayton, Ohio, in October, 1898. They reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living witli the exception of our subject and Benjamin F.. who died in May, 1897.

Mr. Hebble of this review spent the davs of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and received a good, practical education in the connnon schools of the neighborhood and at Dayton. F- r manv vears thereafter he was one of Greene countv's well known teachers, teaching fir'Jt in the country schools and later as principal of the sch(K)ls at Fairfield and Bellbrook. In the meantime, however, he served his country in the Civil war. At the age of twentv years he enlisted at the president's call for aid. becoming a member of Company K. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. They went to \^irginia. traversed the F'otomac and Cinnberland valleys 'and Mr. Hebble endured the many hardships of army life until the cessation of hostilities which showed the Union was no longer endangered. He also had two brothers in the Union ranks. Z. T.. who was in the Tenth Ohio Battery, and W. H.. a meml>er of the One Hundred and Fortysi.xth Infantry.

wliicli piisitidii he held fcu" a number i.it years. lie was then made secretary of tlie P'eople's Building and Loan Association the duties of which recjuired Init little of his time during the early years of the existence of the companv, hut later it hccame an important enterprise and contrihutetl not a little to the improvement of the city. Mr. Ilelihlc possessed excellent business ability and sound judgment and his determination and force of character enabled him to carry forward to successful completion wliate\er he undert(i(ik. ilis straightforward business policy cnmmeniled him to the confidence of all and in financial circles he sustained an unassailable reputati( ju.

( )n the if)tli ijf January. 1X73. Mr. }fel>l>le was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Hamma. of N'ellow Springs. She was Ixjrn January 17, 1845, and is a daughter of Adam and L'atliarine (Barton) Hamma, who for man_\- years was a resident of Greene county. Her mother bore the maiden name of Catharine Barton, and was a native of Clark county. Ohio. Three children were lx>rn unto our subject and his wife, of whom a daughter, P'annie Kate, died (in the 27th of February, 1889, at the age of about ten years. The others are Roy and Mary .Ada. The daughter resides at home with her mother, and the son represents the firm of W'hitmer & Hebble, general insurance agents of Xenia. The family residence is pleasantly located and is the center of a cultured society circle. The household is noted for its cordial and gracious hospitality and the members of the family in turn are heartily welcomed into the Ijest homes of the city. Mr, Hebble found his greatest pleasure in jjrdxiding for his family and in promoting their happiness, yet his death was not onlv mourned bv those of his own household, but bv many friends throughout the count v for his genial nature and sterling worth made him popular. He left to his family not only a comfortable competence, but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, for his record was that of a brave soldier, a reliable business man and a stanch friend. P'or many years he was a meml)er of the Masonic fraternitw haxing joined the order at Osborn, Ohio, wiiere he served as secretary of thei: lodge, and after dimitting to Xenia lodge he held the same position here. He was also secretary of the Royal Arch Giapter at Xenia up to within a short time

Adam Routzoxg

Adam Routzong, nr>w deceased, was for years a respected and worthy citizen of Greene county and it is but justice to his memory that his record be given in this volume. He was a native of Frederick county, Maryland, l)orn December 4. 1806, a son of Henry Routzong. whose birth also occurred in Frederick county. About 1824 he left Maryland and with his family came to Greene county, Ohio, settling ujion a farm near Fairfield. There he purchased a good tract of land and carried on agricultural pursuits for many years, dving at an ;idvanced age. tiis wife passed away when the subject of this review was quite young and before the removal of the family to Ohio.

Adam Routzong acquired his education in the schools of his native state and w'as a youth of eighteen when he came with his father to Greene county. They were active- Iv associated in farm work, the father and his three sons. They put all of the improvements upon the farm and Adam Routzong continred to remain under the parental roof until he was aljout twenty-one years of a9:e, when he removed t') a farm in Xenia township, which he purchased. It was a tract of land on the Xenia and Fairfield road, hut it was wild and unimi)rove(l and awaited the awakenino- tuucli <<{ the agriculturist to make it productive land. Our subject at once began its deveIoi)nient and made many excellent im]irovem.ents upon it. It continued to be his home for furty years and a sjreat transformation was wrought in the appearance of the place as it was brought from its primitive condition to a high state of cultivation. There thmugh a long period Mr. Routzong carried on general farming and stock-raising, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. The farm was called Shady Bower ami consisted of two hundred and fifty-six acres of rich land, l)ut by additional purchases the l)oundaries of the place have been extended until now it comprises tliree hundred and fnrty-six acres, which is still in i)ossession i>f the family. In 1872 Mr. Routzong retired fmui active life and with his estimalile wife removed to Xenia. where he lived for fifteen years. In 1886 he took up his abode on a farm in Xenia townshi]\ which he had |)urchased in 18C11. It comprised one hundred and eighty-three acres of land, which is now owned by his son J- C. Routzong and is occupied by the widow and the family of our sul)ject.

i\Ir. Riiutzong was twice married. He first wedded Sarah Cou,gler. who died leaving two children. Henry, a resident of Yellow Springs, and ^^lathias now deceased. For his second wife Mr. Routzong chose Constant Comfort Cromwell, a sister of Joseph Cromwell. She was born in Washington coimty, Maryland, near Clear Springs, and her parents were also natives of that state. By the second marriage of our subject there were also two children: Joseph Cromwell, who was lx)rn in Greene county, Ohio ; and John R., who died at the age of eleven years. Adam Routzong died on the idth of June. 1887, upon the liouie farm, passing away after a short illness, and his remains were interred in Byron cemetery. He was a public spirited man and though he ne\-er held office he took an active interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and upbuilding of his portic:)n of the state and gave his co-operation to the measures for the general good. In politics he was a Republican and in religious faith was a Lutheran, long holding membership with that church. He lived a consistent Christian life and was held in the highest regard liy all who knew him. He was found to be reliable in business, loval in citizenship and trustworthy in friendship, and the sterling cpialities of his nature gained for him the warm esteem of all with whom he was associated. His widow still sur\-ives him and now resides upon the old homestead - one of the estimable ladies of tiie community.

Joseph Cromwell Routzong, the elder child of the father's second marriage, was born December 18, 1S48, in Greene county, Ohio, on the old home place in Xenia township. At the usual age he entered the public schools and there pursued his education, while in the summer months he assisted in the work of the home farm. He has followed agricultural jnirsuits throughout his entire life and is now living upon the old iiome place, which his father purchased in 1 86 1. He has put a vast amount of improvement here and to-day has one of the finest attractive countrv seats of Greene countv. He erected one of the best farm houses ill this prnticMi i>f the state, it l)eing buih about eigiiteen years ago. He also has a large l)arn and his farm is a model property in all res])ccts. In addition to the cultivation of the held he is extensively engaged in the raising of Poland-China hogs and sh<jrthom cattle and this branch of his business is proving to him a successful enterprise.

In tS/I Mr. Routzong was married to Miss Alice Sn\(ler, a native of Greene county and a daughter of Casi>er Snyder, who was a niillwriglit. miller and distiller of Xenia township and died at an advanced age. He was (^ne of the native sons of Greene county antl was classed among the \alued citizens here. L'nto Joseph L". Routzong and his wife have been born live children : Harry M. married .\nnie Commings and resides ni)on the home farm; John A. is a machinist of Xenia ; Joseph C. died at the age of fifteen years : Charles F. is an electrician by profession but is now assisting in the cultis'ation of the home farm; Flora A., the youngest, is the wife of William C'line, a resident farmer of .Alpha, Ohio. .-\11 of the children were born in Xenia t(iwnshiii.

Joseph C. Routzong exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican ]iarty and has been honored with some local offices, having served as township trustee for six years. He belongs to the Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon. His entire life has been passed in Greene county and the fact that many who have known him from his boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends is an indication that his career has ever been honorable, useful anil upright.

Thom.Vs Haverstick

Thomas Haverstick, now deceased, was a well known citizen of Greene county, and when called to his final rest many friends mourned his departure. He was born December 2. 1S35. in this county, his parents being John and Elizabeth ( HoUey) Haverstick. The home farm was his play ground in vouth and also his training school for life's practical duties. He early became familiar with the work of the fields and after acquiring a fair common-school education he worked as a farm hand, thus gaining a start in life.

On the loth c)f December. i^/2. Mr. Haverstick was united in marriage to Miss Sarah I. Swigart, who was born on the farm where she now lives on the 31st of .August, 1 844. Her parents were Joel and IMargaret (Hedelson) Swigart, both of whom were natives of Greene county, the father having been born in Sugarcrcek township and the mother in Beavercreek township. The 1 8th of Xovember. 1820. was the day of the father's birth, and on the 12th of January, 1843. he led to the marriage altar ]\Iiss Hedelson, whose birth occurred Se])tember 13, 1834. Both, however, have now passed away, the former dying March II. 1891. and the latter on the 28th of July, 1878. '^h. and Airs. Haverstick began their domestic life upon the farm belonging to her peo]3le. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Swigart, but three of the daughters died in girlhood. The other two ' reached womanhood and Elmira became the wife of John Fink, but is now deceased. She had no children. Thus Mrs. Haverstick was left the only surviving member of her parents' famih', and at their death she inherited tlie two farms in Sugarcreek township former]}- owned by her father, and npon one of these she still makes her home, superintending its control.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Ilaverstick manifested his loyalty to the country by enlisting as a soldier in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio \'olunteer Regiment for one hundred days' service. He was out al)out four months and became a sergeant, returning at the end of that time to his home in Greene county. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a man well known and well liked throughout the community. He was kind, good hearted, considerate and wherever he went commanded the respect of those with whom he was associated. On the loth of September, i8gr, his life's labors were ended in death, anil his remains were interred in ^b>unt Zion cemetery. .Mrs. Haverstick had the deep sympathy of all who knew her. for her loss was a heavy one. The community also lost a valued citizen and many a considerate and faithful friend. Mrs. Haverstick has a wide acfiuaintance in Greene county and is a most estimable la<lv.

John G. Clemexs

John G. Clemens, the president of the People's Bank of Jamestown, was born in Greene county on the old Bell farm in Xenia township, on the 2ist of January, 1820, and is a .son of John and Susan ( Slagle) Clemens, who were natives of Augusta countv, Virginia. The family is of English lineage and was established in this countrv at an early day. while the Slagles were of German descent. John Clemens, the father of our subject, was a participant in the war of 18 1 2 and after the close of hostilities he settled in Clark county, Ohio, near Springfield, where he followed farming, and in 1819 he came to Xenia, where he again carried on agricultural pursuits, and after living for four years on the Xathaniel Bell farm he removed to a tract of land on Caesars creek in Jasper township, where he purchased land upon which he lived until a lew years prior to his death. He then purchased another farm in Xew Jasper township and there lived until his death, which occurred in 1866, when he was eighty-one years of age. His wife passed away at the age of seventy-five years. In their family were ten children, two of w-hom are yet living, the eldest being John G. Clemens, of this review. Susan is the wife of David Davis, also a resident of Jamestown.

John G. Clemens obtained his education in an old log school-house with its puncheon fioor, slab seats and huge fireplace. He was able to attend school only about three months each year, for the public funds would alli>w the continuance of the instruction no longer. After he l>ecame old enough he assisted in the work of the home farm and gained a practical experience and knowledge of farm work in all its departments. \\'Iicn twenty-four years of age he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Margaret Long, a daughter of \\'illiam Long, one of the early settlers of X'ew Jasper township, who died in his ninetieth year, and they were married Fel>ruarv i, 1844.

.Vfter their marriage the young couple began farming in Xew Jasper township, Mr. Clemens operating his father's farm for about eight years. He then purchased a fjirm (it one luin<lred acres in tlie same townsliip and there lived until, 1877. when he removed to Jamestown, where his wife died on the 2 1 St of January, 1891, at the age of sixty-live years. Unto them were born three children : Louisa, who died of typhoid fever in her twenty-first year; Mary L., who also died in her twenty-first year; and Gertrude M., the wifel of Jesse Taylor, the cashier of the People's Bank.

In his business undertakings Mr. Clemens was prosperous. To his first purchase of land, of one hundred acres, he has since added from time to time, making judicious investments in real estate until to-day he owns twelve hundred acres of land mostly in Ross and Cedarville townships. He is also the owner of the old family homestead and all that he has is due to his own well directed efforts. He had no influential friends or inheritance to assist him. but he has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of self-reliance, determination and indefatigable energ^y, and these have proved an e.xcellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of prosperity. He was one of the original incorporators of tlie People's Bank of Jamestown, became its president and has since continued in that position. He is also its largest stockholder and is interested in other business enterprises which have not only proven of benefit tcj himself, but have also advanceil the general prosperity.

His fellow townsmen, recognizing liis worth and al)ilitv. ha\e frequently called him to pul)lic office. In his political views he was originallv a Whig, and upon the organization of the party became a Republican. He was elected justice of the peace and served for alx)ut twenty-six years, or until his removal to Tamestown. His decisions were strictly fair and iiu])artial and that he gave universal satisfaction is indicatetl by his long continuance in the office. In 1862 he was announced and published as a canditlate for county commissioner without his knowledge ()r consent. He did no canvassing, never leaxing home for a day or asking any man to vote for him, and was elected by a complimentar\- majority. He served for one term in that office and then retired. He was interested in the Little Miami Narrow Gauge Railroad for about three }ears and has co-()])erated in many movements for the general good. In his religious faith he is a Methodist. He joined that dcniimination on the 23d of April, 1842. and has therefore been a member of the church for sixty years, while for the same long period of time he has served as one of its stewards, and has also been a class-leader. Mr. Clemens has not missed a single communion ser\-ice since entering the church. For about twenty-six years he was recording steward of the church and has fre(|uently been a delegate to its conferences. He has been chosen administrator and executor to settle twenty-six difi'erent estates, a fact which intlicates the confidence and trust reposed in him by those who know him, and it is unnecessary to sav to those acquainted with Mr. Clemens that no trust ever reposed in him has been betrayed in even the slightest degree. He has traveled quite extensi\ely, visiting twenty different states, including those on the Pacific coast, California. Oregon and Washington. He spent some time in visiting the manv jioints of interest in that section of the country and he has a comprehensive knowledge of his own land, its developanent and its history.

and is one of the okle.-^t native citizens of Greene county. No history of tliis portion of the state would l)e comjjlete without his record for his life has formed an integral